SFRS asks for public’s help after 28th fire death in five months
People will die in fires that could be prevented unless their friends, relatives and neighbours help them get the support they need to stay safe in their homes. The stark warning from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) makes clear firefighters across the country need the public to put them in touch with those who are at greatest risk.
It comes after confirmation that a man firefighters removed from a blaze at a flat in East Renfrewshire last Thursday later succumbed to his injuries. He was the 28th person in Scotland to die as a result of a fire this year.
Among the factors identified as having contributed to the fatalities were age, living alone, physical and mental health conditions, chaotic lifestyles, smoking, alcohol and drugs use.
Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, the SFRS director of prevention and protection, said: “To lose someone through fire is utterly devastating and it always leaves a lasting impact on the families, friends and communities touched by the tragedy.
“The sad reality is many fatal fires could be prevented. We know very simple steps are often the difference between life and death.
“Every one of us can make that difference just by talking to people we know who might be vulnerable and putting them in touch with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“Fire threatens every home – we all need to understand it can happen to us and the people around us, consider the risks and live up to our responsibility to do what we can to save lives.”
Older people, those with physical or mental health issues and others with issues involving the misuse of alcohol or drugs are all at increased risk of experiencing a fire in their homes and suffering injury or death as a result.
Firefighters throughout Scotland actively work to help individual householders stay safe but many of those most at risk can be reluctant to contact SFRS for support.
As part of the Join Scotland’s Fight Against Fire campaign, SFRS has called on anyone who looks out for the well-being of a friend, family member, co-worker or neighbour to discuss fire safety with them.
Mr Ramsay explained: “Our crews always do everything they can but unfortunately their courage and professionalism in responding to a fire won’t always be enough. Even where a fire has remained small, the smoke and heat produced can very quickly spread through a home and threaten the life of anyone inside.
“We would much rather take the time to do a free home fire safety visit and help someone prevent a fire than respond to a blaze where they may have already suffered life-changing, or even life-ending, injuries.”
He added: “Protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities isn’t something we can do alone. Reaching people who need some help to stay safe is always a challenge and we need the public’s help to meet it.”
Free home fire safety visits are available from SFRS by calling the freephone number 0800 073 1999, by texting ‘FIRE’ to 80800 or by filling in an online form at www.firescotland.gov.uk.
Conducted by local crews at times convenient for the householder, the visits also see firefighters provide and install free smoke alarms where these are found to be needed.
Mr Ramsay added: “We’ll probably never know just how many lives have been saved because someone had the presence of mind to arrange a free home fire safety visit, whether for their self or for someone close to them.
“It doesn’t take long for a local firefighter to show someone the common hazards that many people just don’t realise are in their home.
“Our crews help residents take very easy steps to address these risks and they also make sure the property has working smoke alarms and that everyone knows what to do if a fire does start.
“It’s a service that can make all the difference. I’d urge anyone who thinks they or someone they know could benefit from it to get in touch with us today – before another tragedy happens.”
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